Craig McLachlan cleared of Doctor Blake harassment allegations

The producers of the Doctor Blake Mysteries have cleared Craig McLachlan of claims he sexually harassed his co-workers, but admitted the show’s workplace culture was “bawdy and crude” and may have offended some cast and crew members.

Two weeks ago, production company December Media hired a workplace consultant, Fiona Bigelli, to investigate claims of sexual misconduct on the set of the top-rating TV show.

The allegations, revealed as part of a joint ABC/Fairfax investigation, included that McLachlan held a banana to his crotch and thrust it into the faces of an actress and director, that he “dry humped” a female crew member and that he pushed his crotch into a female crew member.

December Media said in a statement that Ms Bigelli had interviewed a number of people who worked on season five of the production, and had produced a confidential report.

“But there were no findings of sexual harassment, sexual misconduct or workplace bullying by Craig McLachlan or any other person on Doctor Blake,” the statement said.

“People highlighted the fact that Doctor Blake’s workplace culture has consisted of, amongst other things, a workplace humour which has been described by many as sexual, lewd, bawdy, ‘Benny-Hill-esque’ and crude and that some of the behaviour relating to this humour may be offensive to people regardless of the fact no formal complaints have been received.

“While December Media has all appropriate policies and procedures in place with respect to workplace behaviour, the report does recommend some improvements to be in line with world-best practice.

“We intend to implement these improved practices and share them with the rest of our industry”.

-ABC

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